SENIOR PLANNER

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB: The Senior Planner position provides case management for a wide range of planning applications including subdivision plats, zoning amendments, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, site development plans and other related permits. The Senior Planner performs research and analysis of applicable local, state, and federal ordinance and laws relevant to assigned cases and writes reports and makes presentations of cases to elected and appointed officials. The Senior Planner also provides customer service to a variety of customers including residents of the City, property owners, developers, engineers, consultants, and others regarding planning and development policies, procedures, and standards.

Organizational Relationships

• Reports to Planning Manager
• This is a non-supervisory position.
• Works closely with other Development Services staff and has frequent contact with representatives of various governmental and business entities and the general public.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices, and techniques of planning, particularly Form Based Codes and Urban Design.
• Municipal planning and development requirements and practices (zoning, platting, site planning).
• Knowledge and experience in construction processes.
• Superior customer service principles and practices.
  
  

Skills

• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously while managing projects effectively to meet firm deadlines.
• Effective technical writing techniques with proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computer software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, permitting software, database management, and GIS.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and written in a timely manner.
• Researching best practices in city planning.
• Take initiative to work independently and as a team member.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  
  

Typical Functions

• Interpret, assess, apply, and articulate applicable state, county, and local ordinances, and regulations.
• Act as a case manager for development projects submitted to the City.
• Ensure compliance with the Land Development Code, Engineering Manual, and Comprehensive Plan, and provide thorough, detail-oriented plan reviews of complex land use applications including annexations, zoning, platting, site plan and other land development applications.
• Writes correspondence and reports; prepares administrative determinations/code interpretations.
• Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other community meetings and/or City Council meetings as needed.
• Assist with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code regulations.
• Confers with and advises applicants, consultants, and developers to discuss proposed and current development applications and identify and resolve issues related to specific projects.
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
• Works courteously and actively with customers, the public, and other City staff on problem-solving.
• Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying and answering telephone.
• Maintains and supports a positive, collaborative culture within the City organization as a whole, fully embracing the cultural and values statements espoused by the City.
  
  

Acceptable Experience And Training

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, or a related field AND a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a planner with demonstrated increased levels of responsibility.
  
  

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, or a related field AND a minimum or five (5) years of experience with municipal planning with demonstrated increased levels of responsibility.

Certificates/ Licenses Required

• TX Class C driver’s license
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.
• Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) accreditation preferred.
  
  

Innovation

Customer Focus

Integrity

Excellence

Respect